PM announces further investment in mental health

Speaking during an open discussion with young people, alongside his wife Dr Lydia Abela, Prime Minister Robert Abela referred to the budgetary measure whereby 17,000 students will benefit from a 15 per cent increase in their stipends.

During the discussion themed ‘I’m for good politics’, the Prime Minister also said that the much-awaited launch of Malta Vision 2050 will take place this week. Describing it as a forward-looking national strategy, he said that young people will play an integral role in shaping and realising the vision.

“The Government will launch the vision, but it is your responsibility to implement it,” he told the youths, encouraging them to take ownership of the country’s future.

On the stipend increase, the Prime Minister was speaking in the context that stipends are part of the government’s broader commitment to invest in young people as they pursue their studies and prepare for the future and quality careers.

He said the government’s ongoing work to create new jobs and expand opportunities, particularly in the digital sphere will continue. The Prime Minister highlighted ambitious targets to generate more employment within the digital sphere, stressing that today’s students will be central to driving Malta’s digital transformation.

Dr Lydia Abela participated in the discussion. She said that one must plan today for tomorrow. She said that from a young age, she discussed politics with the family and that politics has no age.

She said that on the social media reform, a policy will be drafted following extensive public consulation with all those involved in social media.

Dr Lydia Abela said that youth must play an integral part of any discussion since they have the energy and curiousness to change things and sway away from old ways of thinking. She said that youths need to form part of discussions as they are the most impacted from the decisions and changes that come about as a result of decision-making. “Thanks to youths and their active role, we are in for good polictics,” Dr Lydia Abela highlighted.

PM announces new mental health hospital within Mater Dei precincts to remove ‘stigma’

The Prime Minister announced that a new mental health hospital will be built within the precincts of Mater Dei Hospital, in a move aimed at reducing stigma and strengthening mental health services in Malta.
Speaking about the project, the Prime Minister said that integrating the facility within the country’s main general hospital is a deliberate step to normalise mental health care and treat it on par with other health issues.
He explained that locating the new hospital within the Mater Dei will help remove longstanding stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment, while also improving accessibility and coordination between different medical specialties.
In the same announcement, the Prime Minister revealed that a tender will be adjudicated for the development of a larger Emergency Department at Mater Dei Hospital as well. The expansion is intended to address increasing demand and improve patient flow, ensuring faster and more efficient care.

The twin projects form part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise Malta’s healthcare infrastructure, with a focus on improving patient experience, increasing capacity, and investing in long-term resilience within the national health system.

Safeguarding artisan traditions

A youth present highlighted that artisan traditions should be safeguarded and referred to Economy Minister’s Silvio Schembri’s sterling work when it comes to arts and crafts, referring to the new crafts village in Ta’ Qali and the vision of the Malta Crafts Foundation launched recently and the future projects tied to the village.